Helen Crewell

Crewell, Helen ALBANY Helen Margaret Veronica Crewell (nee, Herbert) died on Tuesday, December 5, 2007, at St Peter's Hospital, Albany, N.Y. Born in Cedar Hill, N.Y., Helen was the youngest of seven children born to the late Mary (Cronin) Herbert, and Joseph Herbert. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers, John, twin sisters, Anna and Katherine, along with Martin and Edward Herbert, and Marie (Herbert) Shanahan. Married to Edward Crewell in 1939, she resided in the Capital area all of her 90 years. She was a full-time homemaker and devoted mother of Patricia and Edward Crewell Jr., and Rita Mary Crewell Stevens, all of the Capital Region. She is also survived by three grandchildren, two great grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews, numerous grand nieces and nephews, throughout N.Y. and Fla. Helen is gratefully recalled as her family's first "teacher" of religious faith, character development, nature appreciation, "having fun," and the value of education. Famous for her exquisite birthday cakes, holiday pies, and family Sunday meals, she also brought artistry and joy to simple things like giving and wrapping gifts for others. Her carefully collected and treasured Christmas tree adornments, some dating back to the 1920s, is still a delight for family and friends. Helen was a loving companion and care giver for her widowed mother, Mary Herbert, who resided with the Crewell family for some 25 years. For the past seven years, she has been in home health care herself. A parishioner of St. Teresa of Avila Parish since 1940, she was delighted and grateful for visits, gifts and often handmade remembrances from parish staff, parishioners, and students of St. Teresa's School. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, December 10 at 10 a.m. at St. Teresa of Avila, New Scotland Ave, Albany. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the wake/vigil on Sunday, December 9, 2 to 5 p.m., at the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, Albany. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Teresa of Avila School, 8 Hollywood Ave, Albany, NY 12208.